In Donetsk the second round of the 3rd All-Ukrainian festival-competition named after Pavel Virskiy has come to an end. It is the most prestigious choreographic competition in Ukraine. Only the best dancing collectives of the country are allowed to participate in the competition. Among them was the Folk amateur ensemble “Metallurg”.
– For us it is very significant. In spite of the fact that the collective was the participant of many international festivals of folk art, it’s the first time we have reached such a level, -says Anna Kireyko-Ishmametova. – The organizer of this competition is the National Choreographic Union under the support of the Ministry of culture and tourism of Ukraine. Its purpose is preservation and development of national traditions of choreography, enrichment of professional and amateur arts and improvement of the choreography of folk performances. Inclusion in the number of competition participants, especially getting into the final, is already the highest estimation of skill of the collective which does not have the official status “professional”. Though, the last statement is an item of dispute. On the one hand – in its structure are amateurs for which folkdance is a hobby, on the other hand – they dance not worse than eminent dancers. This is proved by their performances on international stages. Folk ensemble “Metallurg” will attend the 11th International festival which will take place in Istanbul from 29 June to 5 July.
– Indeed, if not for the support of Zaporizhstal, we would not have been able to represent our Native land, participating in all these most prestigious festivals, all the more so now, when the consequences of the financial crisis show. We are supported not only in our travels but also with the costumes. Recently Zaporizhstal has paid for sewing of expensive costumes for all our actors who participate in the new choreographic composition, – stresses with gratitude Anna Nikolaevna. – That is why all of us are very grateful to the management of Zaporizhstal. And not only we but all the creative people who understand how important it is to support folk art and culture.